A Tribute to Earl Stubbs

Many of you have heard by now that Earl Stubbs, missionary to India, had a massive heart attack Monday morning while preparing for the church's 25th Anniversary that he and his dear wife Arlene started 25 years ago. What a loss this is for so many people. Certainly his wife and family have our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers during this difficult time. His missionary colleagues will feel the vacuum of his death as well. Friends, ministers, and the church he began are all experiencing great loss. Certainly the kingdom of God has lost a mighty warrior. The PennDel District family grieve (though not as those who have no hope) for our friend who has been ushered into the presence of the Lord. The funeral for Brother Stubbs will take place at Central Assembly of God in Springfield, MO. Many of the family reside in the Springfield area. It will take place on Monday at 11:00 AM with a viewing immediately preceding.

I heard someone say recently, "Don't live your life as if God is there to make you safe and comfortable until the day you die." Think about it... That is profound. And so true. I doubt Bro. Stubbs would have been called a radical by those who knew him, but he did live radically. He was passionate about his relationship with the Lord, made the commitment to follow Jesus, and lived out that commitment by going to the nation where his Lord called him and to a city where no Pentecostal believers were known to live. The dynamic of the Spirit was critical to his success. The church began through an intervention of the Spirit and they experienced, along with the trials and difficulties, the miraculous anointing of God upon their lives and ministry.

We (Marjie and I) had the privilege of hosting the Stubbs as a missionaries while they were raising their budget in the churches where we pastored. His humility and grace prevented any self-glorying in the work they accomplished. The church they planted has grown to now number in the thousands. That is not what I will remember Earl Stubbs for. To me the outstanding characteristics of Bro. Stubbs was his character, humility, and love. If you spoke with him, you might not have classified him as a charismatic person or a dynamic leader. But in fact he was. He influence will be felt for time and eternity through the multitudes who came to know Jesus through his service for Christ.